4WD towing boat

[jamez]

When I'm towing my boat what 4WD gear should I use? What geat for launching the boat into the water? What gear for pulling from the water?

 

[rheagler]

Re: 4WD towing boat

You shouldn't need 4WD to tow your boat. If you feel you must use it when launching or retrieving (slippery, wet ramp conditions) the 4 high range is probably appropriate unless the boat is extremely heavy and the vehicle very weak. Unless your vehicle has a "full time 4wd" setting, using 4WD on dry pavement can damage drivetrain components, unless you drive in a straight line. You may want to check the owners manual for your vehicle on where/when to safely use 4WD. Just my .02.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 4WD towing boat

Never use 4WD on dry pavement, towing or not.
The 4WD systems do not like that.
Now some cars have AWD which is a different set up and they are meant to run that way.
Like rh says, most times if needed 4WD in the high gear is sufficent for most situations.

 

[_brad_]

Re: 4WD towing boat

Never use 4WD on dry pavement, towing or not.
The 4WD systems do not like that.
Now some cars have AWD which is a different set up and they are meant to run that way.
Like rh says, most times if needed 4WD in the high gear is sufficent for most situations.

Agreed.

 

[Ezrider_92356]

Re: 4WD towing boat

i use 4lo launching and retriving my boat cause my truck is a stickshift so i know its not going anywhere in 4 low with the engin off and parking break set. and then pulling the boat back out at idle speed is nice as well

 

[brussell]

Re: 4WD towing boat

No new 4wd vehicles have manual hubs and that bites. With my Jeep CJ on pavement I put her in 4lo with the hubs unlocked. You have compression slowing it from the motor, plus with a manual you have control and ability to hold in gear better when parked.

 

[Matthew_B]

Re: 4WD towing boat

If you have vacuum operated hubs, you can cut the wire to the solenoid that activates the hubs and put a switch on the dash. With the switch open, it will allow you to have 2WD LO.

And no, it won't void the warranty.

 

[skimmer]

Re: 4WD towing boat

I Launch and retrieve with a hilux 4wd, you never really needed to use 4wd on most boat ramps but my boats only 4.5 metres if I had a 30 footer i'd probly use it all the time. I definately need it when launching straight off the beach and it can be handy when on slippery boat ramps. Either way because you are towing if you are losing traction you want to use the lowest gear possible (low range first gear) until you are back on solid ground. Never use 4wd on bitumen for a long period of time unless it's a full time 4wd.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 4WD towing boat

If you need 4WD Lo to pull out of the ramp with an automatic transmission then you may need a different tow vehicle (or a smaller boat) LOL

 

[Matthew_B]

Re: 4WD towing boat

If you need 4WD Lo to pull out of the ramp with an automatic transmission then you may need a different tow vehicle (or a smaller boat) LOL

4200 lb camper and 3500 lb boat. Right at GVWR on the truck and well under GCWR. Not a traction problem since the truck is around 11,500 lbs. But when it comes to a steep ramp the truck is real sluggish in high range. Much nicer for the transmission in low range.

 

[skimmer]

Re: 4WD towing boat

If you need 4WD Lo to pull out of the ramp with an automatic transmission then you may need a different tow vehicle (or a smaller boat) LOL

My 4WD is manual but As I said I have never needed to use 4wd on most boat ramps but for all I know jamez might have a beast of a boat that is hard pull so I'm just offering my opinion, If your not towing use the highest gear possible to get up a muddy slippery slope for sure, If you are pulling a boat out of the water save your gear box, use low range, you've only got to pull it 6 metres or so.